0 - Bible Commentary | Karuna Sadan

And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob went near and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother. (Genesis 29:10)

There was a large stone on the well’s mouth and it was probably heavy. This is the reason why the shepherd boys were waiting for someone to roll the stone away. (Genesis 29: 2,8)

Jacob had come to marry one of the daughters of Laban, and here was an opportunity to show kindness and also his strength to Laban’s daughter Rachel.

Leah’s eyes were delicate, but Rachel was beautiful of form and appearance. (Genesis 29:17)

Notice the phrase, “Leah’s eyes were delicate” There is some dispute as to exactly what this phrase means. Some think it means she couldn’t see well. Others think it means her eyes were dull, not beautiful, and full of life like her sister Rachel’s eyes.

So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her. (Genesis 29:20)

Love should be the foundation of anything you do. When love is the foundation, the task at hand will not seem big

Let all that you do be done with love. (1 Corinthians 16:14)

Jacob’s offer is generous; his seven years of labor is worth 126 shekels, nearly three times more than the maximum bride price according to the Mosaic law (Deuteronomy. 22:29).

But Jacob’s love for Rachel is so deep that no price is too high for her hand (Genesis 29:20).

Christian couples show less affection for one another after their wedding day than before they were married.

Why then have you deceived me?” (Genesis 29:25)

It is quite interesting to note that deception ran in the family. Rebekah, Laban’s sister aided Jacob in deceiving his father and her son Esau. Laban, too deceived Jacob, his own nephew. Jacob too deceived his own brother Esau.

This is an example of Jacob reaping what he had sown. Jacob exchanged the younger for the older; Laban exchanged the older for the younger.

When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb (Genesis 29:31)

God can bring comfort and blessing to a wife and meet her needs even when the husband acts in an ungodly manner. This only proves that the LORD is faithful and will meet the needs of a hurting wife. This is also true vice versa.

Leah, though unloved and neglected by Jacob and despised by Rachel, had a great role to play in the plan of God. The two greatest tribes came from Leah, Levi (the priestly tribe) and Judah (the royal tribe). Also, the Messiah, Lord Jesus Christ came from Leah, who was not –attractive, neglected, and despised but learned to look to the LORD in praise.

Chapter 29